I keep waiting for sufficient words to surface in me, that I might properly express the overwhelming gratitude and warmth you've all made me feel. So far, no luck. I think really there is nothing I can say that will get the job done to my liking. You are all incredible. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Also, congratulations!! Everyone who pledges $15 or more will now receive a bonus reward: a digital download of the album in acoustic demo form.

As I've said before, the more resources I'm able to muster, the more I'll be able to do for, with, near, on, and around this record. So I've got a new proposal for you, planet Earth... Another round a possible reward (for all!) if things continue to build.

IF WE REACH $35k:

I will perform a webcast concert BY the people and FOR the people. Democracy now!!!!

YOU WILL VOTE TO DECIDE:

- what songs I play (covers?! oldies?! "Dissolve" 25 times in a row?!)

- which friends I'll call on to be special guests (insert your own thrilling examples here?!)

- what I'll wear (boxing robe?! marching band uniform?! crocs?!)

SO! That's that for now... As long as you guys keep flooring me with your incredible support, I will continue to think of new things I can do to say thanks.

xoxo times a billion
-Jenny

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DAY 2:
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Holy crap! You guys are amazing! Not only did we reach $20k, we did it in about 28 hours! Thanks to your swift aid, you've earned not just the rewards initially promised you, but also a feat of pain endurance performed by Mr. Elliot Jacobson (his chest will be waxed on video FOR YOU) and a 50's pin-up style photo shoot of me by Deborah Lopez. (Personally I am more enthusiastic about the Elliot thing, but to each his or her own!)

So here is where things start to get interesting!!

I chose my goal based on a modest budget that seemed somewhat attainable (maybe). I never in my wildest dreams thought you all would support me so strongly or so quickly. I am deeply moved and find myself somewhat speechless in this department. (Good thing I figured thank you notes into the rewards!)

But as Aesop wrote in many a fable, a hustler's gotta hustle. The bottom line is, the more I am able to raise, the better I'll be able to make this record and the more cool stuff you'll be able to snag out of the deal! So following this train of thought, I'm going to add on this offer to my Kickstarter rewards:

If we reach $30,000, everyone who donates $15 or more will receive a digital download of the album demos.

People often ask me where they can find acoustic/solo recordings of my songs. I love performing my songs in arrangements for a six piece band as much as I love playing solo, but until now, I just haven't been able to offer many stripped-down recordings. I want to be able to let YOU choose which way you want to hear my songs on any given day, and I also believe that there's something truly magical about the intimacy of a guitar/vocal recording.

SO If we raise $30,000 I will record solo acoustic demos of every song on the record and if you donate $15 or more you'll receive a digital download of the album's worth of demos!!

If this goes through and you've already donated $15 or more, you're covered! You'll receive the demos no matter WHEN you pledge; it's just THAT you pledge that matters!

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend!!!!

xoxo
Jenny

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MY ORIGINAL POST:
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Hi there. My name is Jenny Owen Youngs and I write songs, play guitar, and sing. I've released a couple records and am now preparing to make a new one - the difference this time around is that I'm going to make the album without the support of a label. This means I get to realize my creative vision to the fullest, but it also means that I have to shoulder the full financial responsibility.

So I've decided to partner with the good people at Kickstarter to try to raise funds for this recording project - $20,000 in 40-something days to be specific. I know that number looks pretty massive, but as recording budgets go, that is actually quite modest. Tracking, mixing, mastering, paying my band and my producer Dan Romer adds up!

You may be asking yourself, "What do I get out of helping you, Jenny?" Thankfully, there are many answers! First and foremost there is the satisfaction that comes with knowing you're supporting a worthy cause. But let me speed ahead to where you GET AWESOME THINGS in return for helping out!

A cornucopia of goods and services await you, dependent upon how much you contribute.

GOODS include but are not limited to:

-Advance copies of the album
-Music available exclusively to Kickstarter donors
-Tote bags and buttons and things things things
-My freaking GUITAR

SERVICES include but are not limited to:

-A video of me shouting your name while standing in a picturesque location
-Your outgoing voicemail message recorded by me
-A skype lesson with me or Elliot Jacobson
-A private pancake dinner & house concert by me for you

You can read the column on the right of the page for a full list of incentives!
Every reward level includes all the incentives from the previous levels too!

If I can reach my goal by the deadline, my project will be funded and you will get stuff. If I fail to reach my goal, however, I will get nothing, you will not be charged, and you will not receive your rewards. Bitter tears shall be wept by all.

Thanks so much for checking out my Kickstarter project. I hope you'll consider helping me help you help me help you (??) ... and consider spreading the word to those people in your life who love helping and/or getting stuff!!

Long answer: When Dan and I began work on the record, I brought a number of songs to the proverbial table. Some were finished, some were in pieces. We worked together to flesh out some of the existing but incomplete ideas. We also worked to write about seven totally new songs from scratch. All of this was done in order to explore new ideas and song territory in the interest of creating the best album of which we are capable, together, of making.

We've been working steadily since the project ended, but various things have interfered, including Dan's numerous other recording commitments, my tour schedule, and the millions of other things that get in the way of pure creation. I'm more or less on my own, business-wise, and have been for the last year and a half; that means a lot of paperwork has to get done, a lot of administrative tasks, a lot of "work" on top of writing and recording music (also work). Yes, this process has been extended itself over a longer chunk of my calendar than I'd have liked. However, I am committed to making this record the best that it can be, and it is my belief that these things cannot be forced or rushed.

All physical rewards will be mailed with the finished album to your door. If I mailed every single physical reward to each backer as it became available, I'd be spending the whole Kickstarter fund on postage! Your patience is appreciated, second only to your support!

Creating 400something handwritten notes, a whole mess of personalized haikus, photographs, handwritten lyrics sheets, etc, is super time-consuming, and my main focus has been on completing the record. Now that the album is neeeeearly done, a flurry of activity and some sweet carpal tunnel will follow in no time.

Rewards

Pledge $5 or more

Access to video and photo updates on my progress as producer/quinoa enthusiast Dan Romer and I work on the new record ... with inevitable cameos by a whole mess of brilliant musicians.

You selected

Pledge $10 or more

7 backers

An exclusive mp3 emailed directly to your inbox upon completion of the album. This could be a B-side, a remix, a cover... but whatever it is, it will ONLY be available to my Kickstarter comrades. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $15 or more

164 backers

A digital copy of the album before it is available anywhere!! [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $35 or more

304 backers

A signed copy of the physical album, some JOY buttons for your flair collection, and a handwritten note of thanks... because Roxie raised me right. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $60 or more

33 backers

A video of me shouting your name to the heavens while standing in a picturesque location of my choosing - meadow, beach, the shire, presidential monument in DC, etc. If you'd like to impress someone you're courting, you can sub in their name for yours. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $80 or more

18 backers

A handwritten lyric sheet of a song from the new album, plus a hella sexy canvas tote bag that you can use to carry around all of your Kickstarter loot. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

70 backers

An 11 x 17 black+white photograph shot by Deborah Lopez and signed by us both, as well as a personalized haiku composed by me in honor of you. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $200 or more

8 backers

A disposable camera's worth of photographs taken by me during the recording process, AND I'll record the outgoing voice mail message on your cell phone. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $300 or more

18 backers

Pick a cover, any cover, and I'll make a video of me performing the song (and dedicating it to you!!) and upload it to Youtube for all the world to see ... -and- you'll get two guest list spots to the Jenny show of your choice. [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $400 or more

7 backers

I'll make you a personalized pick-a-mood mix CD - you tell me how you want to feel, and I will compile the soundtrack, burn the CD, and draw the artwork myself (think lots of dinosaurs) ... [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

2 backers

Your pick of ONE of the following: (A) A skype lesson with me - I'll teach you the guitar part for my song of your choice; (B) A skype lesson with Elliot "Hulk Smash!" Jacobson - He'll teach you the drum part for my song of your choice; or (C) A date with Dan Romer in NYC - He's very charming and will show you a great time!

[plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $750 or more

0 backers

***SOLD OUT*** Make Your Own Batten the Hatches (kinda) Kit: One copy of the independent pressing of the CD, one copy of the second version of the album, the striped necktie I'm wearing on the cover of the first version, the Ben Sherman sweater vest I'm wearing on the cover of the second version, the original printer's proof of the first version's artwork, a European tour poster, an American tour poster, and a freaky near-life-size poster from the Varsity in Minneapolis - everything signed except for the vest & tie. I'll also throw in a screenplay of the motion picture Dreamgirls starring Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, just because I can. [plus everything above] ***SOLD OUT***

You selected

Pledge $1,000 or more

3 backers
All gone!

Dinner with me and the band! If you live near NYC, tell us your favorite cuisine and let us take you to a restaurant that we love. If you live out there in America somewhere, we'll take you out in your city when we come through on tour. I'll also spring for photobooth pictures so you will never forget us, and buy you three of my favorite albums at an independent record store. Let's make some memories!! **This one has to be continental USA only guys, forgive me world!** [plus everything above]

You selected

Pledge $2,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (1 left of 1)

My Epiphone Supernova semi-hollow electric guitar, plus a drum head signed by everyone who works on the record, plus the Shure SM57 mic I'll sing into during arranging sessions with the band - if you've ever wanted to clone me, this is a great opportunity to score my DNA! You'll also receive a horseback riding trophy that I did not win, but that is sure to impress your friends when they come over and spy it sitting on your mantel over the fireplace. [plus everything above, except "Dinner w/ Me & the Band" and "Make Your Own BTH" which is SOLD OUT]

You selected

Pledge $5,000 or more

0 backers
Limited (3 left of 3)

A private concert performed by me in your living room for your friends and family - and YOU write the set list! (Note: I'll play "Hot In Herre" a maximum of ONCE) ... Plus I'll prepare a delicious pancake dinner for you and your guests (I am pretty freaking good at pancakes). [plus everything above, except "Dinner w/ Me & the band" and "Make Your Own BTH" which are both SOLD OUT]